Pic: Oscar Pistorius in court, earlier today

Oscar Pistorius’ family and management company have released a statement which says Pistorious disputes the “alleged murder” in “the strongest terms”.

The statement also says Pistorious “would like to express his thanks…for all the messages of support he has received – but…thoughts and prayers today should be for Reeva and her family.”

Reeva Steenkamp, Pistorius' girlfriend, was fatally shot at Pistorius' home near Johannesburg early Thursday morning.

Pistorious was charged with the murder of Steenkamp at a court in Pretoria this morning. The Paralympian gold medallist reportedly broke down in the dock when charges were read out.

The prosecution have said they will make the case that the killing was premeditated. If that is proven it will lead to a tougher sentence for Pistorious, most likely life in prison.

Pistorious will have a bail hearing on Tuesday and will remain in a police station until then.

Iinitial reports suggested Pistorious had been the shooter but there had been a tragic case of mistaken identity, with Pistorious believing Steenkamp was an intruder.

South African media have reported Steenkamp was shot four times, in the hands and head, through the bathroom door in Pistorious’ home.

A police spokesperson moved to play down the story of mistaken identity and a tragic accident.

Brigadier Denise Beukes, spokesperson for the South African police, said “As the South African Police Service, we do not have a report based on those allegations. We only heard over the radio that the woman was shot after she was mistaken for an intruder."

"The premises are fairly secure...This is a fairly secure estate."

In the aftermath of the shooting much has been made of an interview Pistorious gave to the New York Times last year, in which he told the reporter he kept a machine gun and handgun in his home for protection. Police removed a 9mm pistol, licensed to Pistorius, from the home.

 

Full text of the statement issued by Oscar Pistorius’ family and management company

"Firstly, and most importantly, all our thoughts today must be with the family and friends of Reeva Steenkamp.

"Oscar Pistorius has appeared in court here in Pretoria this morning formally charged with the murder of Reeva Steenkamp. The alleged murder is disputed in the strongest terms.

"These are now live and active legal proceedings which must be allowed to take their course through the process of proper investigation by the police, evidence-gathering and through the local South African judicial system.

"In a short hearing lawyers representing the athlete asked for a postponement for a bail application until Tuesday next week to allow time for their own investigation into the circumstances of the tragedy, which was agreed by the magistrate, who also agreed that Pistorius would be held in custody at a local police station.

"Oscar Pistorius has made history as an Olympic and Paralympic sportsman and has been an inspiration to others the world over.

"He has made it very clear that he would like to send his deepest sympathies to the family of Reeva. He would also like to express his thanks through us today for all the messages of support he has received -- but as stated our thoughts and prayers today should be for Reeva and her family -- regardless of the circumstances of this terrible, terrible tragedy.

"We will endeavour to issue other statements as matters develop but in these circumstances I am sure you appreciate it is very difficult to answer any more specific questions. Thank you very much for your attention."